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Happy Masters of the Universe Day!

"The Masters of the Universe Power Tour," a glitzy combo of sizzling special effects and non-stop action, opened Tuesday night at the Anaheim Convention Center, following much television and radio hoopla, and Mayor Bradley's proclamation of April 28 as "Masters of the Universe Day" in Los Angeles.

Featuring that Saturday morning television intergalactic duo He-Man and She-Ra, and a host of superheroes and bad guys, the lavish spectacle seemed to boggle the minds of the thousands of tots attending, judging from their loud cheers and eager applause.

Parents' minds also may have been boggled in the lobby, where $6 programs, $5 plastic "power-swords" and other merchandise rapidly flattened many wallets.

Mattel's $2-billion Masters of the Universe toy line has been transformed into a live galactic gold mine. Produced by PACE Management Corp., MTM Presentations Ltd. (a sister company of MTM Enterprises Inc.) and Ohio's Front Row Theatre, the show, currently on a 60-week national tour, is apparently making millions. For example, its 11-day engagement at New York's Radio City Music Hall in February grossed $1.2 million in ticket sales and $350,000 in sales of merchandise.

So, what do you get for your $9 or $10.50 ticket? If you're not stuck high up in a hard-to-see-from side section of the arena, as was this reviewer, where you sort of feel like an orphan outside a candy store, you get plenty: A prerecorded sound track, two huge video screens, ramps, platforms and an enormous stage, a Power Race on roller skates, fireworks, swordplay and a black-light Intergalactic Circus.

The appealing husband-and-wife team of Jack and Leslie Wadsworth portray He-Man and She-Ra. She's a gorgeous fantasy blond—he's the one member of the cast who needs no padding.

The Masters of the Universe have transported themselves to Earth to share with its people the history and culture of their planet, Eternia. Songster (Doug Howard) serves as rock 'n' roll storyteller, narrating the action. Unfortunately, bad guys Skeletor and Beast Man, Evil-Lyn (Michelle Nevidomsky) and a contingent of Snake-Men have transported themselves as well, bent on destroying the good guys.

Flashing swordplay and acrobatics highlight the many well-choreographed fight scenes (Tony Christopher is director and choreographer). At one point, the forces of good and evil take to their Power Discs—roller skates—battling it out on a velodrome, roller derby-style.

Temporarily subdued, the bad guys retreat, leaving the stage clear for the Eternians to present their space circus, a parade of enormous Talliwallis, Jooglers, Zebrites and clownish Monkey Men.

In the finale, the mammoth stage bristles with swords, sparks and sound, as the evildoers make one last effort to prevail.

At nearly two hours, it's a long nighttime outting for preschoolers, but enthusiasm was not in short supply. The visual splendor of the set (designed by Tom McPhillips) and Waldo Angelo's superb costumes make this creation by Gary Goddard and Richard Hoag a memorable experience.

A 20-minute break during the show interrupts its continuity—but gives the lobby vendors the opportunity to sell a lot of merchandise. Just before intermission, He-Man entreats the audience for its help in Eternia's struggle, urging children to raise their Power Swords and take the Eternia Oath of Allegiance.

Any guesses as to how many kids without Power Swords came back with them after intermission?

Hope to see you at Power-Con 2018!
JVS3 = Val Staples = Power-Con, Event Director | He-Man.Org, Owner | Guy who has been fortunate to work on a LOT of MOTU & POP projects
Please check out my Facebook page

I had a remarkable experience! During the night I was visited by Spirit of Grayskull past, Spirit of Hordak present, and Spirit of Skeleteen yet to come, and they taught me the true meaning of Masters of the Universe Day! And dawn came, and I sprang out into the world ready to spread cheer and goodwill in the best tradition of MOTU Day, but it's the day after -- I've missed it. Bah humbug.

Still remembers we paid excessive shipping on Battleground Teela. Is confident Matty will resolve the issue and make it right for us.